If you remember “Dedicated to the One I Love,” “Mama Said,” “Will You Still Love me Tomorrow?” and the SHIRELLES, prepare yourself for a unique treat, on May 16 right here in Conroe’s own Crighton Theatre, 234 North Main Street.

Just as Buddy Holley and The Crickets revolutionized rock and roll sounds in the early 1950s, a trio of New Jersey school girls got busy with their own pioneering less than a decade later.

THE SHIRELLES launched what would become a pattern for the female groups that followed. This innovation ultimately propelled them into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Now the MONTGOMERY COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS SOCIETY makes these legendary ladies available here for one performance only.

One of the most thrilling facets is that an original Shirelle, BEVERLY LEE, is a part of this 50th anniversary tour.

“The show that is part of the Shirelles’ 50th anniversary tour, will include many of their hits, interspersed with a wide range of pop, rock, gospel and country,” said MCPAS executive director CHRISTINE LEMAIRE. “It’s an evening of their inimitable sounds later emulated by Aretha Franklin, Bernadette Peters, Smokey Robinson and other beloved vocalists that are favorites of the Baby Boomer generation.”

The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $52, but MCPAS offers a special discount for seats in the upper balcony at only $20 each. To reserve, call JIM BINGHAM at the Crighton box office, (936) 441-SHOW.

While you’re thinking MCPAS, you might as well buy your 2009-2010 season tickets. The season contains a wide variety of entertainment geared toward pleasing every potential buyer.

The MISSOULA CHILDREN’S THEATRE, a perennial favorite arrives with “The Princess and the Pea” Oct. 3. Two young professionals turn up here and conduct a five-day learning session for as many as 60 local children that culminates with a show at the Crighton, including all costumes and properties. Although this is not a part of MCPAS’ regular season, ANGELL WRIGHT has overseen this production for several years, with ample assistance from MCPAS, its board members and helpers.

“BALLROOM WITH A TWIST” follows on Oct. 10. Because of the massiveness of this production it is scheduled at Nancy Bock Center in The Woodlands, the only MCPAS show not in the Crighton this season.

A duo of sopranos BELLA SORELLA arrives Oct. 30, featuring the singers with piano and violin accompaniment. They will be followed by SWITCHBACK presenting Celtic music on bass, guitar and mandolin, along with humorous stories of Ireland. Switchback arrives Nov. 14.

Welcoming 2010 will be RAVE ON!, a Buddy Holley Tribute Concert on Feb. 6. This one stars

BILLY MCGUIGAN in the leading role.

The prestigious TEXAS YOUNG ARTISTS CONCERT AND COMPETITION returns March 13 for its 26th year. Serious young musicians and vocalists compete in five divisions for $20,000 in prize money, solo performances with prominent groups, and an Audience Choice Award.

Country music aficionados will experience the celebrated RICKY SKAGGS AND HIS KENTUCKY THUNDER BAND on April 3. The LATIN TENORS perform May 15. This musical journey revisits Pavarotti, Carreras and Domingo with an irresistible, unforgettable sound, Le Maire noted.

The seven show season costs $215 and tickets must be renewed before May 15 by those who wish to retain their present seat locations. Most shows are on Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. For $50 each singles also may purchase spots in the concert patron parties, with couples paying $75.ese sophisticated soirees are scheduled at fashionable restaurants and businesses, sometimes in patrons’ homes.

For more information or to purchase, call (936) 760-2787 or visit www.MCPAS.org. The Conroe Commission on the Arts and Culture provides a portion of MCPAS’ funds, with contributions and fund raisers supplementing ticket charges.

Fundraising events for the 2009-2010 season consist of a MARDI GRAS BALL in February; MIMOSAS IN MAY LUNCHEON, and a golf tournament in October.

Do you have performing arts news? E-mail Peggie at pegmillr@juno.com or call (936) 448-6455.